RECESSION is proving good news for the environment, a bank survey reveals.

Figures from Yorkshire Bank show that people trying to cut their monthly bills to make their money go further are reducing their impact on the environment as a result.

The bank’s quarterly Housebuyers’ Report claimed that 82% of people in Yorkshire were making an effort to reduce their energy bills – by turning down heating, using the washing machine at a lower setting and changing to energy efficient lightbulbs.

Nationally, only the south-west and east Midlands were more keen than Yorkshire folk on cutting their energy consumption – with both regions on 83%.

London was last on the list with only 45% of survey respondents taking energy-saving measures.

The research has also highlighted other innovative ways people are trying to save money – ranging from making more effort to use leftover food to growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Other steps include staying in more often rather than going out, using cobblers to mend shoes rather than buy new ones and altering clothes to give them a new lease of life.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s head of retail, said: “The current economic situation has seen many people look at different ways to cut costs and reduce their outgoings.

“More than two-thirds of those surveyed are taking steps to be more energy efficient, which is also good news for the environment.

“People are also returning to more traditional ways of saving money.”

The survey results come as Yorkshire Bank becomes the first UK high street bank to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for its efforts in tackling climate change.

The bank was given the accolade after reducing its carbon footprint by almost 16% over 12 months. It aims to be entirely carbon neutral by September, 2010.

The survey follows a similar poll by the bank which showed that almost half of people in Yorkshire are seeking ways to make extra money during the downturn – by selling unwanted goods online to taking in lodgers.

The survey found that 49% of people in Yorkshire are trying to raise extra cash to supplement their wages.

It also reported that one in three Britons were looking at ways to boost their household incomes.

It said almost a third of Yorkshire people now regularly use sales sites such as eBay.

Other money-raising ploys include renting out spare rooms and selling goods at car boot sales.